Multi-Segment Harvester Header Display for Bogging-Aware Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
As agricultural harvesters with multi-segment headers navigate varying field conditions, there is a need for efficient control and display of segment operation states to prevent bogging and optimize harvesting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-segment header system with hydraulic control and graphical user interface (GUI) that dynamically adjusts segment operation based on field conditions, displaying segment states and generating maps to optimize harvesting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-segment headers are used to follow field contours and avoid flooded areas, then harvesting adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple segments and positioning machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple independent segments (center segment and wing segments) that can be individually positioned. Each segment has its own positioning machinery allowing independent control to follow field contours and avoid flooded areas, directly resolving the adaptability-complexity contradiction by making the system adaptable through segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The header segments are made dynamically adjustable through rotatable couplings and hydraulic positioning machinery. The segments can transition between different operational states (operational, non-operational, raised) based on real-time field conditions, allowing the header to dynamically adapt to varying terrain while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled mobility.
2Productivity
If real-time monitoring of segment states is implemented, then harvesting efficiency is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are installed on each segment to detect operational states and positions in real-time. This feedback is transmitted to the controller which automatically adjusts segment positioning and provides visual feedback to the operator, improving harvesting efficiency through real-time monitoring while managing complexity through automated control loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of each segment is represented as visual indicators on a display device. The controller creates a graphical representation (copy) of the segment states, allowing operators to monitor header configuration without adding physical complexity to the header structure itself. This virtual representation simplifies the interface between the complex multi-segment system and the operator.
3Reliability
If outward segments are raised to avoid flooded areas, then harvesting reliability is improved, but loss of harvesting area occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the header into independently controllable units, the system can raise only the specific segments encountering flooded areas while keeping other segments operational. This selective positioning maintains harvesting reliability in problematic areas without sacrificing productive harvesting area in good conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The header system applies different operational states to different segments based on local field conditions. Each segment can be independently raised, lowered, or positioned according to the specific terrain characteristics at its location, allowing the system to maintain high reliability where needed while preserving maximum harvesting area where conditions permit.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Method and apparatus for presenting information associated with a multi-segment header of an agricultural harvester. The operational states of the segments are monitored and used to present information. Examples of presented information include graphics depicting which segments are operational and which segments are non-operational, crop coverage maps, and crop yield maps.